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A leading NHS nurse is urging parents to get their youngsters vaccinated against flu this October half-term to stop the virus "spreading like wildfire". The most recent figures show that flu activity is continuing to rise among school-aged children, with some parts of the West Midlands identified as hotspots. "It is hugely concerning that flu has hit us early this year, with a worrying increase among children," Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for NHS England, said. Read more: Taxi driver avoids jail after cyclist left unable to walk "The virus changes each year, so vaccination remains the best way to shield your child from getting seriously ill." Flu cases are climbing across all age groups, but surging fastest in youngsters, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) statistics show. One in five tests (20 per cent) in five to 14 year olds came back positive last week, up from 13 per cent the week before, it says. Parents are being encouraged to ensure they have completed their child's school flu vaccine consent forms – or to find their nearest catch-up clinic this half term. This year, jabs are also being offered in bowling alleys, sports halls, football pitches, libraries and even fire stations making it as easy as possible for families to get their kids vaccinated. Younger children aged two and three – and children of any age with underlying health conditions – can get their jab at their GP surgery or some pharmacies. In the Midlands, there are at least six fire station clinics across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent over the next few weeks, including one in Longton on S aturday. A flu van is also visiting a fire station in Lancashire and south Cumbria during half-term. GP surgeries can give flu vaccines to school-aged children with certain health conditions and two and three year olds. Parents can also take pre-school children to pharmacies for vaccines, NHS England said. In the North West, Alder Hey Children's Hospital is even sending out "flu fairies" – staff dressed with wings – to help reassure young patients and make the jab experience less scary. "Flu can spread like wildfire across schools and can make children really unwell," Duncan said. "That's why we're making it easier than ever before for children to get the vaccine close to home or at school." So, I'm urging parents to check their child's options for flu vaccination as soon as possible; make sure you've opted your child in for their in-school vaccine or find your nearest community clinic over half term. "Ruth Goss, senior cardiac nurse with the British Heart Foundation, said: "Anyone with a history of heart and circulatory illnesses is at increased risk of severe illness if they get the flu. "If you have had a heart attack, the flu puts you at a greater risk of having another one, and it can exacerbate conditions like heart failure." Getting a flu jab takes only five minutes and it can protect you from potentially serious health complications, while supporting the NHS by reducing the number of people needing treatment during the immensely busy winter period.".
